With the season approaching, we kicked off our player profile series on Monday. The goal is to formally introduce every member of the roster to Kansas fans.
The second player on the player profile radar is newcomer Nginyu “Gee” Ngala. The graduate student from Montreal, Canada, is the latest addition to the 2025–26 squad, having signed with KU in late July.
Before arriving in Lawrence, Ngala played at two other colleges during his career in Canada. He began at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia before transferring to Laurentian University in Ontario, where he played last season.
Over his four college seasons in Canada, the 5-foot-10 guard averaged 14.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, while shooting an even 36 percent from three-point range.
Though he lacks size, Ngala is expected to make a considerable impact this season, bringing veteran experience, a high motor, and exceptional basketball IQ to the team. His size, play style, and even his jersey number evoke flashes of beloved Jayhawk great Frank Mason III.
Since Mason's departure from Kansas after the 2016–17 season, the most recent Jayhawks to rep the number zero have been Marcus Garrett (2017–21), Bobby Pettiford (2021–23), and Shakeel Moore (2024–25).
Ngala reportedly chose the number zero to reflect what was given to him, saying, "Zero handouts, all earned." He also wears it as a nod to one of his favorite basketball players, Damian Lillard, according to KU Athletics.
Shortly after filling the final roster spot, Bill Self was asked about his thoughts on the addition of Ngala. Self said, "Now we have a backup point guard who we feel is very capable, with his maturity and skill set, to contribute meaningful minutes to our team. Nginyu is quick, he can shoot, and he should be a great example not only in how to play on the court, but also in how to carry yourself in the locker room."
Bill Self appears to trust Ngala in the backup point guard role. Given his experience and ability, he’s expected to log a solid share of minutes each game.
Given that the rest of the country is mostly unfamiliar with Nginyu Ngala, could he be Bill Self’s secret weapon in the backcourt this season?